From Humble Beginnings to MVP: Lamar Jackson’s Unstoppable Ascent

Lamar Jackson’s rise to football royalty wasn’t paved with ease. It was carved from the relentless drive of a quarterback once doubted, often criticized, and now the recipient of two MVP awards.

There’s more (possibly) to come, according to CBS, Jackson appears poised to become the youngest QB to win a third MVP.

At just 28 years old, Jackson’s performance in the 2024 season has redefined what’s possible at his position — again. His blend of elite athleticism, evolving leadership, and statistical dominance hasn’t just elevated his game. It’s elevated the Ravens franchise with him.

A Season for the Ages

Jackson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of legendary. He passed for 4,172 yards, threw 41 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions, and ran for 915 yards. His passer rating? A stunning 119.6, the fourth-highest ever in a season, trailing only MVP campaigns by Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

Jackson became the first player in NFL history to post 4,000+ passing yards and 600+ rushing yards in a single season. He’s also one of the few QBs to combine 40+ passing TDs with 800+ rushing yards at elite efficiency. — all while keeping turnovers at an astonishing minimum.

Statistically, he stood alone:

• First in passer rating,
• First in rushing yards among quarterbacks,
• First in expected points added per dropback,
• First in yards per attempt,
• First in rushing average (6.6 yards per carry).

These aren’t just impressive stats. They’re historic.

Unanimous Respect, Earned the Hard Way

While his numbers tell one story, the tale of his leadership tells another (perhaps as impressive).

Since signing his five-year, $260 million contract, teammates have noticed a new level of accountability. Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey pointed to Jackson’s vocal presence and personal investment in their success. He’s not just a star, he’s the tone-setter.

When he told Humphrey, “We need you to play better,” it wasn’t a jab. It was leadership. And that tone and message have echoed throughout the locker room.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. praised Jackson’s unseen qualities, the extra effort in practice, his command in the huddle, and how he challenges teammates.

Beckham called him a “true quarterback,” not just an unreal athlete. Nelson Agholor added that Jackson’s feel for communication, route timing, and body language reads make him different.

And the numbers support it. Jackson posted a career-high completion percentage (66.3%), reduced fumbles significantly mid-season, and played every meaningful snap despite absorbing significant hits. Whether you’re watching film or browsing Lamar Jackson player props, it wasn’t just his production that stood out. It was his consistency.

A Test of Loyalty and Resolve

Just a year before, Jackson’s future with the Ravens was uncertain. In March 2023, he requested a trade amid contract disputes. The franchise responded with a nonexclusive franchise tag, allowing Jackson to explore other options. Yet despite speculation, no serious offers came. The message from the league was clear: they valued him, but not more than the Ravens did.

That standoff ended just before the draft. Baltimore made a decisive move; they signed Beckham and reignited the conversation. The front office knew Jackson wanted playmakers. They gave him one, and not long after, they gave him the bag. Ten days after Jalen Hurts reset the market, Jackson topped it with a $260 million deal.

It wasn’t just business. It was belief, from both sides.

That belief fueled a 13-4 regular season run, where Jackson led the league’s best team and reasserted himself as the most dangerous dual-threat weapon in football. He became the face of a franchise built around his vision of football, fast, improvisational, and ruthless.

Commanding the Game in New Ways

What’s most striking about Jackson’s 2024 performance isn’t the fireworks; it’s the control.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken pointed out Jackson’s ability to keep plays alive, but also his evolution in the passing game. Running back Gus Edwards said Jackson has become more comfortable checking the ball down, a sign of maturity that wasn’t there early in his career.

Jackson’s football IQ is catching up to his physical gifts. And that’s a scary thought for defenses.

Whether it was finding Zay Flowers on a broken play or hitting Isaiah Likely while dodging defenders, Jackson made throws others wouldn’t even attempt, let alone complete. Those were plays that coaches called “holy crap” moments. He forced defenses to defend two plays: the one designed and the one emerging from chaos.

His ability to extend plays is no longer just about scrambling. It’s about timing, spacing, and understanding every inch of the field, a progression mirrored in FanDuel NFL player trends, which highlight how quarterbacks like Jackson are redefining the modern game.

Cementing His Place in History

With 30 first-place All-Pro votes to Josh Allen’s 18, Jackson earned his third First Team All-Pro nod. Only Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have more at the position. The same voters determine the MVP, and history tells us quarterbacks win it. Every year since 2013, the MVP has gone to a QB. And no QB this year outplayed Jackson.

Once confirmed at the NFL Honors on February 6, he’ll be the youngest player in league history with three MVPs. He’s already the only one with both a Heisman Trophy and two NFL MVPs. Soon, that record might read three.

In terms of sheer dominance over a season, a comparison to LeBron James feels apt, a singular athlete redefining excellence in his sport.

However, even as the personal accolades pile up, Jackson’s focus has remained on team success. His 2-4 playoff record still lingers. After falling to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, the Lombardi Trophy remains the last missing piece.

Yet even that loss didn’t tarnish the year.

He brought Baltimore to the doorstep. And in the process, he reminded everyone why he was always more than just a runner.

Still Just Getting Started

There’s an electricity around Lamar Jackson’s game, but it’s his evolution as a quarterback, not just an athlete, that has redefined his legacy. He’s no longer the outlier. He’s the standard.

From trade requests to MVP chants. From criticism about his throwing to league-best accuracy. From playoff doubts to team leadership. Jackson has rewritten every narrative.

And if this year was any indication, he’s not close to finished.